:)
Saturday, July 12: Osaka, Japan
(9AM)
Miz's POV
For our last event on this tour, we have to take a 3-hour train ride to Osaka. This morning was a struggle to get on at the right time. Paige was like deadweight. A hangover took over and I had to take care of her, practically slumped into the toilet. Then I had to drag her, and our bags, on the train. Poor girl. The stuff in Japan is definitely stronger than in the states. I'm glad I decided to stay away from drinks last night. Telling the story to the guys as to why she was a mess was entertaining though, to say the least.
Now arriving at the new hotel, the room is a little bigger. The windows provide sunlight to shine through. Paige winces once she steps through the door, "It's too bright." Dropping our bags on top of the sheets, I head over to close one side of the shades.
When I turn around, she's sitting on the edge of the bed. Her hair is up in a messy bun, which I also had to do (Maryse had taught me once) and her face looks so worn.
"Saraya, no more heavy drinking on tours, okay?" Laughing, I push the bags away and plop down right next to her.
"Okay." Her pouted lips show a lesson learned, "Thank you for taking care of me, babe."
I pull her close, "Anytime. I just hope I won't have to do that often. I hate puke. Ugh,yuck."
"Sorry... so what time do we have to be at the arena?"
"A few hours. Did you wanna grab something to eat?"
"I just wanna lie down, honestly," she leans back onto the sheets, "my head hurts."
"Ha, alright. I'll go get you something from the lobby," I get up and head to the door, "You just relax, babe. I'll be back in a minute."
"Thank you." I watch her curl up into a ball on the bed before heading out.
On the first floor, there's a small store that sells drinks and snacks. Inside, I buy water and a 4-pack of our favorite—blueberry muffins. When I make my way to the elevator, I run into all three former Shield members and Alicia Fox going into the same ride up.
"Hey guys, how was Tokyo for you?" Seth Rollins asks, in the cramped space.
"Fun! Paige and I tore it up last night. The girl got wasted," Alicia says, all four of them join in a laugh.
"Yeah, and I cleaned up that mess. Hit up Ribera with Zigs and E, it was awesome." I add before the doors open up to my floor. "Hey, I'll see you guys at the arena!"
"See ya, Miz!" Roman Reigns and the others wave as the elevator shuts closed.
When I return to the room, I'm cautious in not making any loud noise. Entering, there's Paige sleeping in the same exact position.
I place the water and food on the small wooden dresser to the left. The room is still in silence. It's not that much fun when your significant other is asleep and you know they need that rest. I won't leave her though, she's expecting me to be there when she wakes up. I check the clock, it's not even 9:30. So what to do?
An idea pops into my head. There's a desk with a rolling chair near the windows. I'm not much of a writer, but when there's little to do, expressing myself on paper is a last resort. Over the course of my career, I've had little down time so the collection of "journal entries" is scarce. I pull out the drawer, hoping for a notepad and pen. To my luck, it's included in this hotel room. I plant myself in the chair and prepare some thoughts.
Sat. July 12, 2014 9:22AM Osaka, Japan
It's been a while since I've written one of these... so much has changed in my life that I don't know where to start. I met a girl. I'm getting a divorce. I'm about to become Intercontinental Champion for the 3rd time in my career. That keeps it brief.
I always ask how I've gotten this far without totally losing myself. Life can flip in a shot of an arrow. I don't know if that's a curse or a blessing. Ever since I was a kid, I've been told to do whatever makes me happy. 'Let go of things that cease your own happiness', or something like that. At this point, the choices I've made to get here and the events that have unfolded all took place on tough roads. Slowly, I'm driving off those roads with a smile on my face, every day.
Because of her.
Because of Saraya.
Serendipity.
Just writing that name makes me happy. I'm going to do whatever it takes to keep it this way.
I've moved on. My heart has come to terms with somebody I used to feel the strongest for. In this letter, I can say that so surely.
"I've moved on," I take a second from writing to reiterate those words to myself. I have moved on.
Though I'm not saying I'm ready to let somebody take my heart whole again, it's on its way. In my marriage vows, I promised to stay loyal and faithful. Death do us apart. It's not death a marriage should worry about, it's the power of love. The power of desire and attraction to another person. I apologize to Maryse for those words that I couldn't keep. She didn't deserve any of the pain I brought to her. I apologize for breaking something so beautiful.
But I'm not sorry for falling in love. I'm not sorry for the way I feel.
I love you Saraya-Jade Bevis. May one day that gold ring on your finger be replaced with another, to unite us. You have me for as long as I have you. This fear of me leaving you, please don't be afraid. I'm never going to abandon the kind of love you've given me. I've never been so whole than when I am with you. I'll wait until you're ready. I'll wait as long as you want.
Let me be the one to call you babe, let me be the one to protect you from harm, let me be the one to make you happy for the rest of your life.
Let me be the one...
—Mike
I hear plastic crinkle behind me. When I turn around, Paige is seated, proudly munching on a muffin. Devouring them, more like it. I check the clock again, it's almost 11. Time sure flies when you're caught up. Turning to the notepad, I realize this letter isn't to me, it's to her. Without hesitation, I fold it into a small rectangle and write: To Saraya—when you're ready
"Whatcha got there, babe?" She says between bites. It's good to see her rested well.
"A very important letter," I stand to make my way beside her, "For you."
She takes the paper in the muffin-free hand and scans the front, "When I'm ready?"
I hold up my left ring finger, like I'm flipping her off. She makes a face, which probably means that she understand its topic,"Alright then, when the time comes. You're so sweet," She leans in for a kiss. I can taste the muffin on her lips.
"Hey, well don't eat all four of them!" I grab the package with the last muffin in it as she laughs. Writing that letter felt like the closure I needed with Maryse. Maybe I just needed to talk to myself, and get it off my chest. Either way, the burden inside my head is lighter. It's time we head out for the last show of the Japan tour.
WWE Live—Maishima Arena
(Show in progress)
(Post match)
Paige's POV
My body flushes down from the adrenaline when I head towards the back. I'm definitely feeling better compared to where I was this morning. I don't even know where I went. My hangover was so intense, the train ride to Osaka itself was a giant blur. Forever grateful for Miz having to put up with me.
Mentioning the man I call mine, the letter he wrote has been stuck in my thoughts all day. I made sure to put it in a safe compartment in my bag but every time I look, it's as if it's throbbing to jump out to be read. What could have he said? When I'm ready—what if I'm ready right now? The promise ring is the only clue, which is the only hint I really need. But how in the hell would I know when?
One thing's for sure, I can't open it now. Timing's too soon, having him just written it today. We play a lot of games with each other but this is the ultimate tease. And he wins.
"Hey, you looked good out there," Miz comes over with a kiss to the forehead. "And sorry to break it to you, but you're staying with me tonight."
I laugh, "Thanks. And I know, after the wild time with Foxy, I've learned my lesson."
He reminds me of our early 16 hour flight and I am just purely overjoyed. Woo, another day spent in a room-less plane. Can't wait.
So the trip is coming to a close. This Japan tour was a lot of fun, I'm not going to deny that. Being in a wrestling country like this one was exactly what I expected and so much more. Everyone—every fan is incredibly polite here. I got a chance to live out another dream. Sharing this experience with good company made it special. Sharing it all with him makes it something I'll never forget.
Back in the US...
Monday, July 14: WWE RAW – Richmond, VA; The Richmond Coliseum
(2 hours before show starts)
(Still Paige's POV)
Seeing all of the familiar faces again is such a welcome sight. I've missed Emma, Summer, and the boys in the back that couldn't go on the trip. I've semi-healed from the jetlag which wasn't as bad, though the time differences have taken my coherent track of the day. This is the last Raw before the big showdown at Battleground, so I'm told I get to destroy ringside with former Funkadactyl, Naomi, as my weapon. Both Bellas would then come running to help her, setting up a triple threat this Sunday for my Divas Championship. I really hope that's the only thing I have to do, because I don't remember anything else from the little meeting I just walked out of.
Miz, also in the same meeting, leads me to the makeup station to get all dolled up. Me, of course, not him. But then again, I wouldn't be surprised if he got touched up, he does have to maintain his movie-star good looks.
I sit up straight in the chair and wait for Melissa, one of the makeup artists, to do her magic. This is where Miz tells me about the other part in the show, with Barrett. Damn, I'd almost forgotten about him. I'm supposed to distract Miz in his match against Cesaro, causing him the win. Bad News would then enter the ring and attack with a Bullhammer Elbow.
"Okay. Damn, I expected to have it easy on my day back in the states," I say, trying not to move face too much.
"It'll only get harder from here. When we become champions together, our faces are gonna everywhere doing media in every city, every day, every week!" His arms motion to envision the future of us, I smile in his enthusiasm. It does sound really exciting.
Up until now, I've only been doing appearances after shows and whatever WWE decides to place me. With Miz, his multimedia platform can expose my name to so much more. The pressure, I've always wondered how he handles it. I guess there's always been a reason for that exaggerated "front" as people call it, but it's really just him magnified to 100. The real Mike is a sensitive sarcastic sweetheart. That's my Miz— which I'm so fortunate to know personally.
(Post show)
Miz's POV
Another show wrapped, without a hitch. I zip up my rolling luggage and stand it up on the floor. The buildup to Battleground is getting down to the wire. Bad News Barrett and I are creating buzz as a match to watch on Sunday. All of these compliments really make the work in the past weeks worth it. Only 6 nights until I'm crowned new Intercontinental Champion. Only 6 nights until the world gets to know the happy-power-champion couple of Paige and The Miz.
Finally, the drama is truly in the past. My future looks so bright.. probably because Paige's skin is so white. Okay, last pale Paige joke, promise. (Seriously though, I scare myself when I compare my spray tan to her skin.)
In the locker room, there's only a few guys left about to head out to the next town. I always make sure I don't leave too early, I want to leave when it's clear on the roads.
All of a sudden, I feel my phone vibrate in my pocket. Who could be calling this late at night? The caller ID stuns me for a second.
It's Maryse.
No, I can speak to her. Answer the phone. "Hello?"
"Miz, I'm calling to tell you that the papers are ready." Her voice doesn't have the effect it used to. Like the story I told Paige, her voice made me cry tears of joy once. Now, it's dull. It reminds me of our fight, something I don't want to reminisce.
Not knowing how to respond, I try to pick out an appropriate reaction but come up short.
She cuts in before my dead reply prolongs, "Our lawyers will settle it this week. Try to make it to LA on Thursday. I'll send you the number and address soon."
"...Okay." The best I could do...
"Okay. Bye, Mike."
"Wait, I—" Too late, the line goes silent before I get the chance to tell her something I've wanted to say for a while now. It'll have to wait until Thursday...
Outside, in the parking lot, I meet with Paige behind the rental car. She has that twinkle in her eye, but I'm sure she can see what I'm feeling. Her face drops in a split second, "Babe, what's wrong?" I was right.
"I just got a call from Maryse. She said I have to fly to California on Thursday to sign the final divorce papers." I unlock the car, and pop up the trunk.
"Oh."
Half of me is relieved, half of me is dreading the moment I sign that dotted line. Am I supposed to feel satisfaction, or regret? I've already made my decision in Paige, I know how I feel for this girl. She throws her bags into the back, before I get a chance to drop mine in too. We say nothing until we settle into the seats. The orange dash light turns on, like good old times.
By the looks of it, it seems like she doesn't know whether or not to be happy about this announcement. I grab her hand and interlock fingers, "Hey, this means we're free to be together. It's okay to be happy about that."
A small smile curls on her face, "How about you? How do you feel?"
"Like I know it's just another technicality to be done, in order for us to just be us." There's a squeeze in my palm, and her warmth soothes me.
"Miz, you can face her. I know you're strong enough. I'll be right there with you—"
"Please, babe... If you say I'm strong enough then this has got be done on my own. I don't wanna trouble you when you can use the time off for something useful."
"Alright. If that's what you want, I have no problem with it."
"Thank you." I let go of her hand and pinch her chin, "Hey... I love you, don't forget." Those brown eyes are shining, even in the subdued darkness.
"It's the only thing I'd want to remember. I love you too." Meeting halfway in the car, our lips connect in such a reassuring seal.
It's all easier said than done, the whole divorce situation. The process takes months but I know, deep inside, I want it to happen. It will, and I won't have any power to rewind time. That's fine. As long as I can continue, the pain from the scars will eventually heal, to where I'll feel nothing at all. And Paige is the medicine, my cure. My happiness...
So the countdown begins... for those reading and keeping up with this story, the end is soon :'( I know, I know it's a poo situation but don't worry, many cute moments ahead! And a brand new story in the works! Anyways, I hope you like this chapter enough to review. Thanks again for reading :)